Western appeal. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1885-18??, 1887-07-16
FROM THEPREsIDENT.

He VIII Not Attend the Grand Army En-
campment at st. Louis
President Cleveland will not attend the
Grand Army encampment, as will be seen
by the following letter from the President to
Mayor Francis.
Exc cutive Mansion, Washington, July 4
Hon. David r. Francis, Mayor and Chair
man-Dear Sir: When I received the ex-
tremely cordial and gratifying invitation
from the citizens of st. Louis, rendered by
that city during the national encampment
OF the Grand Army OF the Republic, 7 had
been contemplating for some time the ac-
ceptance of the Invitation from that Organi-
cation to the same effect, and had considered
the pleasure which it would afford me if it
should be possible to meet, not only mem
bers of the Grand Army, but the people of
st. Louis and other cities in the West which
occasion would give me an opportunity to
visit. Exactions of my public duties I feel
confronted by the delegation of which you
were the head, expected to do no more at
that time than to promise consideration of
the double invitation rendered me, and to ex-
press the pleasure it would give me to accept
the same thereafter, if possible. But the
ton, reinforced by the heartiness Of the PEG
pie who surrounded you, so impressed
me that 1 could not resist
the feeling which prompted me to
assure you on the spot that would be with
the time designated, if nothing happened in
the meantime to absolutely prevent my
leaving Washington. Immediately upon
the public announcement of this conclusion,
expressions emanating from certain impor-
tant members OF the Grand Army Of the Re-
public and increasing in volume and viru-
lence, constrained me to review my accept
ance of these invitations. The expressions
referred to go to the extent of declaring that
would be an unwelcome guest at the time
and place of the national encampment
This statement is based, as we'll as I
can judge, upon certain official acts of mine
involving important public interests, done
under the restraints and obligations Of nv
oath OF Office, which do not appear to accord
with the wishes of some members of the
Grand Army OF the Republic. I refuse to
believe that this organization, founded upon
patriotic ideas, composed very largely OF
men entitled to lasting honor and CONSIDERS
ton, and whose browning glory it should be
that they are American citizens as we'll as
veteran soldiers, deems til part of it's mis-.
sion to compass any object or purpose by
attempting to intimidate the executive or
coerce those charged with making and exc
cutting the laws; and yet, the expressions to
which have referred, indicate such a preva-
lence OF unfriendly feeling and such a
uouaCo w 1u ,OCCdSlOu WHICH SlOulQ be
harmonious, peaceful and cordial, that
they cannot be ignored. 7 beg you to
understand that an. not conscious of any
act of mine which should make me fear to
meet the Grand Army Of the Republic or
any other assemblage Of my fellow citizens.
ways ready for presentation to nay country
men. ! should not be frank il I failed to
confess, while disclaiming all resentment.
that have been hurt by these unworthy
and wanton attacks upon me, growing out
OF this matter, and the reckless manner in
which my actions and motives have been
misrepresented, both publicly and privately
--for which however. the Grand Army of
the Republic as body is not responsible.
Threats Of personal violence and harm in
case undertake the trip in question-which
scores of misguided, unbalanced men, under
stimulation of excited feeling, have made
are not even considered. Rather than aban-
don my visit to the West and disappoint
your citizens, might, if alone were con-
cerned, submit to insult to which, it is quite
openly asserted, ! would be helplessly
subjected If present at the encampm ent
but should bear with me there the peoples
highest Office, the dignity Of which I must
protect, and believe that neither the Grand
Army OF the Republic, as an organization,
nor anything Ike majority of its members,
tack upon it. il, however, among the mem
bership OF this body there are some, as GER
tainly seems to be the case, determined to
.denounce me and my official acts at the
national encampment, I believe they
should be permitted to do so unrestrained
cation, or as the guest of the hospitable
city in which their meeting is held. a num-
Der of the Grand Army posts have sipnified /
their intention, I am informed to remain
away from the encampment in case visit
the city at that time. Without considering
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